The Humane Society of the United States, the National Aquarium, and Oceana invite members, supporters, and other animal advocates to join us for a community meeting to learn more about shark and ocean protection -- and how you can help!

Sharks have inhabited our oceans for 400 million years, but now scientists warn that existing shark populations cannot sustain the current level of exploitation. Like the slaughter of African elephants for their ivory, massive overfishing of sharks is largely driven by the market for their fins. Every year, tens of millions of sharks are killed for their fins, and mostly to be used for shark fin soup. And, in many cases, these sharks are finned at sea -- their fins are cut off, often while the shark is still alive, and then thrown back into the ocean. With their fins cut off, sharks cannot swim, and they die from shock, blood loss, starvation or predation by other fish.

Fortunately, legislation is being considered in the Maryland state legislature to ensure our state does not contribute to this cruel and unsustainable market. Help us join an international campaign to prohibit the sale of shark fins and to protect sharks and our oceans! Learn more and RSVP today! Contact Tami Santelli at tsantelli@humanesociety.org if you have additional questions.

The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Humane Society of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HSUS’s tax identification number is 53-0225390.